DE102008019486A1 - Counting and filling module for small part products, e.g. tablets, capsules or pills, comprises operation terminal and bin for product supplying conveyor system with multiple linear conveyor devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The counting and filling module (1) comprises an operation terminal (19) and a bin (2) for a product supplying conveyor system with multiple linear conveyor devices for the transport and separation of the products. An optical control device (9) is provided for controlling the individual products, where a counting and filling unit (13) comprises a counting unit which is engaged in a product flow. An independent claim is included for a method for counting and filling of small part products, e.g. tablets, capsules or pills.

Description

The The present invention relates to a counting and filling module for small-scale products, such as tablets, Capsules, dragees or the like, with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for counting and filling of small-scale products.

generic Devices for counting and filling individual pieces, such as tablets, dragees, etc., are from numerous publications known.

That's how it describes DE 25 30 343 A1 a device for counting and filling tablets, dragees, capsules, etc., with a feed hopper and arranged under the hopper conveyor through which withdrawn the tablets from the hopper and a rotating separating disc and tangentially connected thereto slide with a counting device of a package can be supplied. The arranged under the hopper conveyor is designed as a circulating conveyor belt and the slide has breakthroughs for falling through tablet fragments or other faulty tablets. The tablets are fed via the slideway of a counting device, which may be formed for example as a light barrier, capacitive encoder or compressed air nozzle. By passing tablets is triggered by a count pulse, after reaching a desired presettable number of points a switch alternately leads to two or more filling stations in which the tablets are packaged in packs, tubes or the like in portions.

The DE 20 41 981 A1 describes an automatic counting device characterized by a dispensing device which passes the articles to be counted piece by piece past a detector connected to a presettable counter which, when the preset number is reached within a predetermined range, generates a signal, with which the speed of the dispenser is reduced, and which - as soon as the preset number of objects is completely reached - provides a signal with which the dispenser is turned off. As a dispensing device a Vibratorschale is provided, while the detector consists of a light source and a photosensitive transmitter.

The disadvantage of the device after the DE 25 30 343 A1 is that there is a relatively high risk that it comes to counting errors, since the count takes place before the separation of the individual pieces and there is no guarantee that not a predetermined container for a particular piece is detected during the deflection of the flapper and into another, in this case a wrong receptacle, passes.

In the DE 20 41 981 A1 Attempts have been made to circumvent this risk by lowering the speed of the dispenser shortly before reaching the set number. Although this reduces the risk of false counting, a certain number of false counts is still to be assumed with this arrangement, which is not tolerable for the products in certain applications. Furthermore, the device after the DE 20 41 981 A1 the disadvantage that no facilities are provided to sort out defective products.

The DE 12 57 462 B describes a device for counting individual pieces, in which the counting accuracy is increased by first counting the pieces on a first counting path and, upon reaching a preselected number, providing a second counting device with a second counting path on which the parts to be counted are at a lower speed be moved as on the first Zählbahn, wherein the way for the promoted on the slower train parts to the respective receptacle is released in each case after reaching the Vorfüllstückzahl preset on the corresponding counter device via an amplifier controlled by the counters. In this case, although the count accuracy can be increased by double counting, the entire counting and filling process is relatively time consuming, since two counting cycles must be run through to achieve a sufficient counting accuracy, wherein the rate-determining cycle is also slowed down. Also in this case, no device is provided to sort out defective products.

Just however, in particular when filling medicines for certain clinical operations or delivery certain markets an exact number of products and an absolute Integrity of the products required. Will these demands not met, it comes too often costly Complaints of deliveries.

It there is therefore still a need for a metering and bottling device having a high count and Filling speed, an extremely high counting accuracy and a complete sorting out of faulty products together with an uncomplicated technique united in itself.

This object is achieved by a counting and filling module with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the device according to the invention are Ge subject of the corresponding subclaims.

A Object of the present invention is also to provide a method for To provide that the disadvantages of the method of The prior art does not have.

Solved This object is achieved by a method having the features of the claim 14. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention Method are the subject of the corresponding subclaims.

About that In addition, the counter according to the invention and filling module individually or in combination with other modules, such as a supply of plastic or glass bottles can be used.

The Counting and filling module according to the invention for small-scale products, such as tablets, Capsules, dragees or the like, consists of a bunker for the product task, a conveyor system designed for the transport and separation of the products is provided, an optical device for checking the individual products, a counting and filling unit as well as an over an operator terminal accessible control, via which controls the entire counting and filling process and controlled.

One very essential part of the present invention is linear arranged consisting of several conveyors Conveying system for transport and separation responsible for the products. This funding system will fed from a bunker for the product task into which the Product is filled as bulk material. The bunker usually has a funnel-shaped spout that over one arranged first conveyor of the conveyor system is. This first conveyor can, for example a vibrating trough, which has a vibrating conveyor is driven. The flow rate can in this arrangement be regulated by a slider. Optionally, the bunker In addition, with a dust extraction and a lid be equipped.

As already mentioned above, is an essential part the present counting and filling module, the conveyor system, which consists of several conveyors, the First pass product from the bunker advantageously onto a vibrating trough which is cascaded, which already creates in the first stage a separation of the product he follows. From this cascading conveyor trough Optionally, the product passes through another conveyor on a V-shaped arranged twin band on which the Product is aligned and its belt speed adjusted is that the products on the tape like on a chain with a defined distance from each other through the control device up transported to the counter.

A alternative embodiment of the conveyor system provides that the products from the vibratory trough individually to a medium Drop band that has a relatively high belt speed, so that it is here to a separation and separation of the products comes. The middle band carries the products again on a V-shaped twin band on which the products be aligned and then with the control device and the counter be conveyed.

As a general rule always leads the V-shaped twin band the products through the inspection to the counter. This requires that the products on this band have a clearance on the cycle time of the system is tuned. For example at eight counts per second, the cycle time at least 120 milliseconds, with the distance of the products on the Twin belt depending on the belt speed between 50 and 80 mm should lie. The tape speed of the twin tape, the preferably adjustable between 200 and 800 mm / s, should be included be designed so that a minimum distance of about 30 mm between the individual products is guaranteed.

Around To avoid product jams or a product overflow, goes one in practice so that first always the tapes be switched on without product before the vibratory feeder goes into operation, where for safety, the practical conveying speed always be below the calculated optimal conveying speed at the vibrating trough should. About the gap on the slider and the speed of the vibratory conveyor, the product flow can then be adjusted be that the products individually from the conveyor trough up the conveyor belt fall.

From the V-shaped twin band becomes the individual products transported through the control system to the counter, while passing the control system of at least one optical sensor are detected, with the help of which geometric and physical properties, such as shape and area, Contours and integrity, surface features or but also the color of the product to be tested. there the system is set so that only properly recognized as "good" Particles then from the counter recorded and sorted out.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the control system comprises two optical sensors, which are usually camera systems, with de First, the product is recorded and then subsequently tested. Depending on the product is optionally provided to carry out the control by means of transmitted light and / or reflected light, wherein for the implementation of transmitted light images, a transparent conveyor belt is required.

Prefers becomes a camera system in a compact design with a short focus used, as independent as possible of the product strength sufficient depth of field provides. Optional offers It is also here to use an autofocus.

At the subsequent counting is handled by the counting device actively involved in the transport process and promotes those deemed "good" Products actively from the conveyor into laterally disposed discharge channels, the ultimately via a hopper to the intended for filling containers to lead.

A advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the counter means a radially arranged ejection elements comprehensive counting wheel with a parallel to the conveying direction arranged rotational axis, that is above the twin band is arranged, wherein the ejection elements as a kind of wing an impeller are formed. This counting wheel is controlled directly via the control device and sorted only those found to be "good" Products made by removing the individual products from the wings captured by the impeller and in the side to the conveyor belt arranged waste channel are dropped. To a continuous To ensure operation of the counting and filling device, It is advantageous that on both sides of the conveyor belt ever a discharge channel is provided, so that a change of the filling without Delay and without interrupting the flow of product can.

As already indicated above, provides a preferred embodiment before, that the counting wheel designed as an impeller is, with the design of the impeller deliberately simple is chosen, at the same time a high functionality connected with a cost-effective production of the counting wheel itself to reach. The lamellar wings are like that designed that they used for a variety of products can be, without being special on the shape of the product Consideration must be taken. The division of the impeller is variable and is advantageously 8, 10 or 12 wings per Counter, which is particularly noticeable when using the counter and filling module in the pharmaceutical industry for counting and filling tablets or capsules proven Has. For example, at a pitch of 10 wings per counter the product in a simple way by a tenth of a turn the counting wheel from the conveyor belt in the respective discharge channel be encouraged, this rotation by a corresponding Pulse is initiated by the optical control. The proportions of core, wings and width of the counting wheel are variable and can be adapted to the corresponding product so that the counter according to the invention and filling module not counting and filling of tablets or capsules is limited, but for a variety of products can be used, with a product customization can be done by simply replacing the counting wheel.

One is very important aspect of the present invention, that the individual products before entering the discharge channel be subjected to a cross-check and an example designed as a light curtain upstream optical Sensor pass, regardless of the first counter performs a control count. Only when both Counts match that with the product filled containers are recorded as "good" and passed on.

All found to be not "good" by the control system Products pass through the counter without being actively affected by it to be captured and used with the V-shaped twin band transported to a collection container at the end of the tape is arranged. In the event that it caught in the collecting container Products around flawless products that are not from the control system have been detected because their location may not be optimal was, these products can in another pass be returned to the bunker and another counting and filling cycle.

Preferably is the counting and filling module as height-adjustable Table top designed, with the for the operation required electrical device in the table base is arranged. The handling of the filling containers, such as bottles, is done via separate modules, which are not the subject of the present invention, however a flexible integration into an alternative bottle line possible and is provided.

Further Advantages of the present invention are that for separation The products do not require any format parts that interfere with the transport route. Due to the linear transport path has the invention Counting and filling module only a few wearing parts. Optionally, the V-shaped twin bands designed as disposable parts, allowing a product change after a easy cleaning of the few other product-contacting Areas can be made while the twin bands to be replaced.

The entire counting and filling process is controlled by a control terminal, which is preferably equipped with a finger-sensitive screen, which can be advantageously operated with gloves.

in the The following are illustrative of the power level of the module according to the invention some examples Performance data of selected embodiments of the present invention. These data are for convenience only illustrating the achievable with the present invention Throughputs and results without being a limitation you can see.

So can be used with the counting and filling module for simple forms and tests reached up to a thousand counts per module per minute become. It can with a table version the present invention product diameter between about 6 mm and about 25 mm, with a thickness between about 3 mm and about 12 mm, to be detected. As test criteria can the geometry (size, shape and area), Color, discoloration, fractures or cracks used become. By the counter-check before filling the Products in the filling container becomes a counting accuracy of 99.9998%, resulting in a bottling of 50 products per bottle corresponds to a maximum of one single error per 10,000 bottles.

in the The present invention will be further described below of drawings explained in detail. Showing:

1 a perspective overview of the counting and filling module;

2 a top perspective view of the essential parts of the counting and filling module;

3 a perspective view of a section of the product task with bunker and conveyor trough;

4 a side view of a section of the counting and filling module;

5 a side plan view of a section of the counting and filling module and

6 a perspective view of a section with the counting and filling unit.

In the 1 is the entire counting and filling module 1 shown in perspective. The product task takes place via a small bunker 2 which in the present case with a lid 3 equipped. Furthermore, on the front of the bunker 2 a slider 4 to recognize, by means of which the product flow is adjusted. The bunker 2 is funnel-shaped, with the funnel outlet above a vibrating trough 6 is arranged. The vibrating trough is driven 6 from a vibratory conveyor 5 , which is below the base plate of the vibrating trough 6 arranged and rigidly connected to this.

With the help of the slider 4 the feed quantity can be checked and adjusted taking into account the conveying speed so that already on the cascaded vibrating trough 6 a separation of the products takes place, so that at the transition to the next conveyor unit, which may be designed as a conveyor belt o the conveyor trough, already individual products are handed over.

An essential aspect of the counting and filling module according to the invention, however, from the in the 1 Selected representation can not be seen in detail, is the linear conveyor system of a vibratory trough 6 and at least one further conveyor unit, wherein as the last conveyor unit in the series a V-shaped twin belt is provided, on which the products are aligned and by the optical control device 9 for counting and filling device 13 be transported. Optionally, between the vibrating trough 6 and the twin belt, a further conveyor belt or a conveyor trough be arranged over which the product is transported to the twin belt, wherein via a corresponding adjustment of the belt speed on the central conveyor unit a further separation of the products can take place. The twin ribbon ends above a collection bin 18 into which all products are promoted that have not been found or recognized as "good". At the in 1 selected representation is the actual counter (the counting wheel) by an enclosure 23 covered. On both sides of this enclosure 23 are discharge channels 16 see below the table level 24 each in a filling funnel 17 end up. Between enclosures 23 and discharge channel 16 is an optical sensor on each side 15 to detect, with the help of the counter-control or counter-count is performed.

Here is the optical sensor 15 preferably as a light curtain in front of the entrance of the discharge channel 16 arranged with the help of a non-contact detection over a wide, adjustable size range, for example, between 1 mm and 25 mm, can take place. By varying the size range of the light curtain dust or other sources of error can be discriminated, so that the counter-control is virtually done with a sensor with selective detection. At the in 1 selected representation is also a base 20 to recognize that essentially from an electrical cabinet 26 exists and with a height adjustment 21 equipped. With the help of height adjustment 21 can the counting and filling module 1 other modules, such as a bottle feeder adapted. The entire module is controlled via an operator terminal 19 , which is preferably equipped with a touch-sensitive screen, which is to use in an advantageous embodiment with gloves.

The 2 shows a perspective view in plan view of the inventive counting and filling module 1 without base. In this illustration, the linear arrangement of the transport system, consisting of the vibrating trough 6 followed by a conveyor 7 and the V-shaped twin band 8th very easy to recognize. When in the 2 illustrated embodiment of the counting and filling module 1 the product transfer takes place from the conveyor belt 7 on the twin band 8th within the optical control device 9 but before the actual optical control by the optical sensor 10 and the camera 11 , The optical sensor 10 is designed as a trigger sensor and is responsible for product detection. Then the product is removed from the camera 11 detected, with which the geometric shape or the integrity of the product is controlled. Optionally, the product surface and the product color can be analyzed and controlled at this point. The present illustration shows the camera 11 with a lens 25 and a light ring 12 equipped for an incident light recording. Optionally, the product can be controlled and inspected in the backlight at this point, in which case, however, a transparent twin band 8th in combination with one below the band 8th arranged lighting is required. In the case of a positive result follows from the control camera 11 a pulse to the counting wheel 14 , with the help of which then the product found to be "good" from the twin band 8th in one of the side discharge channels 16 is conveyed, wherein a count is registered. In front of the discharge channel 16 is the counter-meter 15 set up as an optical sensor, with the help of which regardless of counting by the counting wheel 14 a cross check is carried out. The filling quantity per filled bottle will only be accepted as error-free if count and count match. The basic position of the counting wheel 14 is provided so that unimpeded product passage occurs when the counter wheel 14 no impulse from the camera 11 receives. In this case, the product is up to the end of the tape band 8th transported and falls into the collection container 18 ,

In this container 18 get all faulty and non-correct products. In particular, when filling tablets or capsules, the more common case is that a product due to its location from the camera 11 is not recognized as "good", so that in the collection container 18 The collected products are then recycled again and again in the bunker 2 can be abandoned for bottling.

In the 3 is the bunker 2 with the cascaded vibratory trough 6 shown in perspective as a separate section. In this illustration, in particular, the arrangement of the vibrating conveyor 5 below the cascaded vibratory trough 6 clarified, with the vibratory conveyor 5 over a base plate 27 with the conveyor trough 6 is firmly connected.

The 4 shows a side view of a section of the counting and filling module 1 in particular details of the optical control device 9 and the bottling unit 13 can be seen. The essential components of the optical control device 9 are an optical sensor 10 for product capture and a camera 11 with a lens 25 and a light ring 12 for product evaluation. Below the band 8th is a light table 27 arranged for transmitted light shots. From the control device 9 the product becomes a counting wheel 14 transported, the good report by the control unit 9 actively engages in the transport process and the product found to be "good" in a side discharge channel 16 conveys, from where the product into a filling funnel 17 falls, which is below the table level 24 is arranged. The products recognized as not "good" are placed in the collection container 18 promoted. When in the 4 Selected presentation was aware of the appearance of the optical sensors 15 For the counter-check dispensed to a lateral view of the counting wheel 14 to allow and represent the arrangement of the counting wheel above the band level.

The 5 shows the in the 4 shown section of the counting and filling module 1 in a lateral plan view. From this perspective, in particular, the arrangement of the twin band 8th in the area of the optical control unit 9 and the counting and bottling unit 13 clearly visible. The further details of this presentation essentially correspond to those of 4 ,

Of the 6 , which is the actual counting unit of the counting and filling module 1 as a separate section reproduces, in particular, the operation of the counting wheel 14 refer to. The counting wheel 14 is designed as an impeller, the wings as Auswerfelemente 22 designed to intervene in the flow of product and the products found to be "good" from the twin belt 8th in the discharge channel 16 be encouraged. The products found to be "good" pass the optical sensor 15 in the form of a light curtain at the entrance of the discharge channel 16 is arranged and with whose help the count is carried out.

When Material is used for much of the format parts the counting and filling module, in particular the bunker Gutters and channels, stainless steel or special plastics used. For example, the counter wheel becomes one preferred embodiment of polyoxymethylene (POM) or Polyethylene (PE) manufactured.

1

counting and filling module

2

bunker

3

cover

4

pusher

5

vibrating conveyor

6

Vibrationsrinne

7

conveyor trough

8th

twin belt

9

optical control device

10

optical Sensor (trigger sensor)

11

camera

12

ring light

13

counting and bottling unit

14

counting wheel (Impeller)

15

optical sensor

16

discharge channel

17

funnel

18

receptacle

19

operating terminal

20

undercarriage

21

height adjustment (Lift)

22

escrow member (Wing)

23

housing

24

table level

25

lens

26

electrical cabinet

27

light table

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 2530343 A1 [0003, 0005]
• - DE 2041981 A1 [0004, 0006, 0006]
• - DE 1257462 B [0007]

Claims (21)

Counting and filling module ( 1 ) for small-scale products, such. As tablets, capsules, dragees or the like, with - a bunker ( 2 ) for the product application - a conveyor system comprising several linearly arranged conveyors for the transport and separation of the products, - an optical device ( 9 ) for checking the individual products, - a counting and bottling unit ( 13 ) and - one via an operator terminal ( 19 ), wherein the counting and filling unit ( 13 ) engaging in the product flow, via the optical control device ( 9 ) controllable counting device ( 14 ) in combination with a filling device upstream optical sensor ( 15 ) for checking the count result. Counting and filling module according to claim 1, characterized in that the bunker ( 2 ) funnel-shaped over a first conveyor trough ( 6 ) of the linear conveyor system is arranged and at its outlet a slide ( 4 ) for controlling the product task. Counting and filling module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bunker ( 2 ) a lid ( 3 ) and is preferably equipped with a dust extraction. Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the linear conveyor system has a cascade-shaped vibration channel ( 6 ) in combination with a V-shaped twin band ( 8th ). Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the linear conveyor system comprises a conveyor trough ( 6 ) in combination with a conveyor belt or another conveyor trough ( 7 ) and a V-shaped twin band ( 8th ). Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the optical device ( 9 ) at least one optical sensor, preferably a camera ( 11 ). Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the optical device ( 9 ) an optical sensor ( 10 ) for product detection and a camera ( 11 ) for product evaluation. Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the counting device ( 14 ) one above the V-shaped twin band ( 8th ) arranged, radially aligned discharge elements ( 22 ) counter ( 14 ) is arranged with a rotation axis parallel to the conveying direction of the product. Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the counting wheel ( 14 ) an impeller with lamellar arranged on a wheel hub wings ( 22 ). Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the counting wheel ( 14 ) 8, 10 or 12 wings ( 22 ) having. Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the counting and filling unit ( 13 ) laterally to the conveyor belt ( 8th ) in the engagement area of the counter ( 14 ) a filling device with two discharge channels ( 16 ), wherein on each side of the twin band ( 8th ) one discharge channel each ( 16 ), wherein the discharge channels ( 16 ) each with an upstream optical sensor ( 15 ) are equipped for counterchecking the counting result and placed in a filling funnel ( 17 ) leak. Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the counting and filling unit ( 13 ) a arranged at the outlet of the conveyor system collecting container ( 18 ). Counting and filling module according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the operating terminal ( 19 ) a touch-sensitive screen as a control for the counting and filling module ( 1 ). Method for counting and filling small-scale products, such. As tablets, capsules, dragees or the like, the method comprising the steps: - abandonment of the products via a bunker ( 2 ) on a linearly arranged, several conveyors comprehensive conveyor system; - Separating the products using the conveyor system; - Optical control of the individual products; - counting and sorting out the products found to be good and - filling the individual products, characterized in that the counting and filling via an engaging in the product flow and an optical control device ( 9 ) controllable counting device ( 14 ) in combination with a filling device upstream optical sensor ( 15 ) to check the count result. A method according to claim 14, characterized ge indicates that the product feed takes place via a funnel-shaped, above a conveyor trough ( 6 ) and with a slide ( 4 ), a dust extraction system and a lid ( 3 ) equipped bunkers ( 2 ) he follows. A method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the separation of the product parts via a cascade-shaped vibration channel ( 6 ) in combination with a V-shaped twin band ( 8th ) he follows. A method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the separation of the products via a vibrating trough ( 6 ) in combination with a conveyor belt or conveyor trough ( 7 ) and a V-shaped twin band ( 8th ) he follows. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the optical control via at least one optical sensor, preferably a camera ( 11 ), he follows. Method according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the individual products first with the aid of an optical sensor ( 10 ) and then using a camera ( 11 ) are visually assessed. Method according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the count of the products over one above the V-shaped twin band ( 8th ), radially aligned ejection elements ( 22 ) comprehensive counting wheel ( 14 ) takes place with a parallel to the conveying direction of the product arranged rotational axis. Method according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the counting of the products by means of a lamellar arranged on a wheel hub wings ( 22 ) having impeller ( 14 ) he follows.